Domestic Abuse Awareness

COVID-19 Service Update:

In light of COVID -19 (Coronavirus) outbreak and in response to national Public Health advice, some changes to IOW domestic abuse services have been made but we want to reassure residents that all the domestic abuse services are working closer together at this time.

Whilst the advice is to stay at home, anyone who is at risk of, or is experiencing domestic abuse, is still able to leave and seek refuge. Refuges remain open, and the police and services will provide support to all individuals who are being abused - whether physically, emotionally, or otherwise.

The domestic abuse services on the Island are adapting the way they work to ensure that help continues to be available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

If you are suffering because of domestic abuse or know someone who is you can call the ‘You First’ freephone helpline: 0800 234 6266 or email youfirstiow@theyoutrust.org.uk

You First, the IOW Domestic Violence and Abuse support provider have contingency plans in place to keep their service running throughout this current period and welcome contact from anyone experiencing this form of abuse who may need support.

The You First support phone lines are being covered and the office is currently open, although this is being regularly reviewed. They are completing remote support with clients over the phone and at this time are still conducting face to face support after completing a risk assessment.

The Hampton Trust team is currently expanding their range of services to meet the increased need of their clients. They are aware of the increased risks for victims who are isolated with perpetrators. Please do not hesitate to contact them should you require any assistance regarding perpetrators. This could include making referrals to our service for support and engagement or to share intelligence for tracking and disruption purposes. If you wish to speak to someone directly please dial 02380 009898 where a dedicated staff member will be available to take your call. Alternatively call their front door services on 08002346266 or via email: isva@hamptontrust.org.uk. ADAPT group members can dial 07902 208 042 for the mentoring line.

At WightDash www.wightdash.co.ukmost of the team are working remotely and continuing to provide a service via telephone. The normal timetable for WOW has been temporarily suspended. Their landlines 01983 825981 and 01983 300423 will be diverted out when the centre is not staffed so that messages can be left and will be responded to as soon as possible.

Domestic Abuse referral pathway

This IW Domestic Abuse Referral Pathway provides a clear visual pathway on how to respond to a domestic abuse disclosure and the services that are available to signpost too and the support that is available.

Domestic Abuse is defined by the government as:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

Physical.

Psychological.

Sexual.

Financial.

Emotional.

Controlling behaviour is behaviour designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim (This definition includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group).

Domestic Abuse is a crime in which the abuser seeks power and control over their victim and can affect women, men and children. It can happen in short or long-term relationships, with ex-partners or family members. It is not acceptable in any circumstance.
Victims of Domestic Abuse can feel very isolated, and incidents of abuse often go unreported because the victim may feel trapped or alone.

If this is happening to you, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse and violence in their lifetime. You may feel ashamed, scared, isolated, confused, and afraid not to be believed or that the abuse will get worse if you report it.

The types of behaviour a perpetrator might demonstrate include:

Isolating a person from their family of friends.

Depriving them of their basic needs.

Monitoring their time.

Depriving them of access to support services, such as specialist support or medical services.

Repeatedly putting them down, such as telling them they are worthless.

Enforcing rules and activity which humiliate, degrade or dehumanise the victim.

Financial abuse which includes the controlling of finances, such as only allowing a punitive allowance.

You are not to blame! Do not suffer in silence, as there are people who can help.